Christmas travel is under threat for millions as fierce storms roar up the East Coast: NYC is on flood watch today with heavy rain and winds ripping through states and thousands warned to stay at home

Christmas travel is under threat for millions as fierce storms roar up the East Coast, with many motorists stranded in floodwaters. 

New York City is on flood watch today, with heavy rain and winds ripping through states and thousands warned to stay at home.

Storms unleashed heavy rain and strong winds as they charged up the East Coast on Sunday, forcing water rescues from flooded streets, with some holiday celebrations cancelled.

The storm slammed into Florida on Saturday and is moving up the East Coast through South Carolina and into Pennsylvania and New Jersey today.

Rivers in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and a significant portion of New England are at risk of flooding on Monday and Tuesday, according to AccuWeather.

Authorities rescued dozens of motorists stuck due to floodwaters in South Carolina's waterfront community of Georgetown, according to Jackie Broach, public information officer for Georgetown County, located between Charleston and Myrtle Beach. More than 9 inches of rain fell in the area since late on Saturday.

'It's not just the areas that we normally see flooding, that are flood-prone,' Broach said. 'It's areas that we're not really expecting to have flooding issues.'

A Tornado Watch was in effect for parts of eastern North Carolina until 8 p.m. EST on Sunday evening. 

The National Weather Service Philadelphia/Mount Holly posted on X: 'The worst of the rain and winds will overspread the region over the next several hours. The heavy rain will taper off after sunrise Monday, but roads will still be wet, making travel difficult.'

The National Weather Service also posted: 'Showers and storms continue to impact the east coast. Heavy to excessive rainfall could lead to small stream, urban and flash flooding. There is also potential for strong to severe thunderstorms.'

New York Mayor Eric Adams issued a travel advisory for Sunday and Monday. 

The city's administration also announced that Alternate Side Parking Regulations will be suspended on Monday.

'As the forecast for this evening's weather intensifies, our city agencies are hard at work, making sure we can handle anything the storm throws at us,' Adams said on Sunday. 

'But we need your help, too. Before the storm starts, secure any loose outdoors items, clear your catch basins if it's safe, and if you live in a low-lying or poor drainage area, make sure you have a plan for if it floods.'

He added: 'Once the storm starts, stay off the roads, so our emergency vehicles can get wherever they need to go. If you have to go out, use mass transit. And sign up for Notify NYC, to make sure you have the most up-to-date information you need to stay safe.' 

Saturday was stormy across most of Florida, forcing outdoor holiday parties to be cancelled. Outside decorations that aren't battened down were likely to blow away.

The mass of wind and rain is expected to head up the east coast just in time for the start of the holiday travel season.

'Saturday is a complete washout as this disturbance moves over,' said George Rizzuto, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Miami. 'The northern part of Florida will be at risk for some pretty heavy rainfall through the entire day.'

U​niversal Orlando Resort's Volcano Bay waterpark shut down for the day due to the weather. 

Holiday events across the state were canceled, such as the Christmas boat parade in Indian Rocks Beach along the Gulf Coast. 'See you next year,' the town website said. 

At least five boat parades were canceled or postponed in South Florida, including the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade in Fort Lauderdale.

Several outdoor holiday events were canceled, from South Florida up into the rest of the peninsula. That included Saturday's Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and at least four other similar events across the region, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

'The safety and well-being of our participants and spectators are of utmost importance to us,' Winterfest organizers said on their website. 'The inclement weather conditions, beyond our control, make it impossible to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.'

Rizzuto said winds of 20 to 30 mph were expected across much of the coastline, with gusts up to 45 mph.

Gale warnings were issued along the coast with Rizzuto advising boaters to take extra precaution.

'Out there over the water, you can expect some pretty rough seas with some wave heights around 12 to 15 feet,' he said.

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday activated the new Florida State Guard, a civilian volunteer organization created last year, to assist with any storm impacts from such things as flooding and high winds.

'The Florida State Guard plays an essential role in Florida's preparation for and swift response to severe weather,' the Republican governor explained.

Beachgoers in Volusia County, home to Daytona Beach, were being encouraged not to get into the water at all. 

If they did, they should enter the water near a lifeguard tower and not get beyond waist deep, Volusia County officials said in a warning.

As an extra precaution, county workers removed trash cans and portable restrooms from the beach.

In Hollywood, located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, city officials warned residents to be mindful of floods. 

The area has had significant rainfall over the past two months and some low-lying neighborhoods tend to flood in heavy rain.

Further up the coast in Volusia County, Emergency Management Director Jim Judge urged local residents to make sure Christmas decorations were secured for the storm on Saturday.

'Just take the normal precautions you would have with a tropical storm, and even though we're not looking at anything near that way, if you take those precautions, then you'll be able to weather this event,' Judge said.